Pontefract on the map

Pontefract built-up area

Built-up area8.2 km² (3.2 sq mi)

Location in West YorkshirePontefract sits where the marker shows within the county.

99,341
Population
39,524
Households
5 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£43,495
Avg. household income
2,353
Businesses
767
People per km²
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About Pontefract

Pontefract is a market town located in West Yorkshire, England, within the WF8 postcode area. The town is known for its historical significance, particularly its medieval castle, which dates back to the 11th century. The ruins of the castle can still be explored, offering insights into the town's past. Pontefract also has a variety of local shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it a convenient place for residents and visitors alike.

The town hosts a number of annual events, including the Pontefract Liquorice Festival, which celebrates the area's famous confectionery. Additionally, Pontefract is well-connected by public transport, with train services linking it to larger cities such as Leeds and Wakefield. The surrounding countryside provides opportunities for walking and outdoor activities, appealing to those who enjoy nature.

School Ratings in Pontefract

There are 79 schools in and around Pontefract. De Lacy Primary School and New College Pontefract are each rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 10 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Pontefract

The average property price is £200K, with semi-detached homes making up the majority of the housing stock at around £165K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Pontefract

Recorded crime levels are broadly in line with the national average. Anti-social behaviour is prevalent across Pontefract, with 53 recorded incidents in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Pontefract

Pontefract sits around the middle of the national deprivation scale, according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment levels are broadly typical for the area, sitting close to the national average. Household incomes are broadly in line with the national average.

Healthcare in Pontefract

There are 7 GP surgeries within three miles of Pontefract, the nearest being Friarwood Surgery (0.2 miles away).

Local Data for Pontefract

Dig deeper into the area around Pontefract with our free postcode tools.

Food Hygiene Ratings Hygiene scores for cafes, takeaways and shops Nearest GP Surgery Find the GP surgeries closest to a postcode Compare Areas Put two areas head to head House Prices Recent sale prices and trends

Property Prices 14,025 sales

Average Price £200K
£150 , £44.21M
Detached £280K 3,443
Semi £165K 5,810
Terraced £129K 3,793
Flat £84K 449

Schools & Education 12 nearby View all schools

56 Primary
8 Secondary
15 Other
Outstanding 2
Good 10
Requires improvement 1

Ofsted ratings for schools in the WF8 postcode area.

St Joseph's Catholic Primary School Pontefract Primary Good 0.3 miles The King's School Secondary Good 0.3 miles Halfpenny Lane Junior Infant and Nursery School Primary 0.5 miles Carleton Park Junior and Infant School Primary 0.5 miles Larks Hill Junior and Infant School Primary 0.5 miles Harewood Centre Nursery School Nursery Good 0.6 miles St Giles C of E Academy Primary Good 0.7 miles New College Pontefract 16 plus Outstanding 0.7 miles De Lacy Primary School Primary Outstanding 0.8 miles Pomfret Children's Centre Good 0.8 miles High Well School Not applicable Good 0.8 miles The Rookeries Carleton Junior and Infant School Primary Good 0.9 miles

Household Income in Pontefract ONS 2023

The average total household income in Pontefract is approximately £43,495 a year before tax, 21% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £34,477. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Pontefract £43,495
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £34,477.

Businesses in Pontefract ONS 2025

There are approximately 2,353 active businesses based in Pontefract, around 24 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 90% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 55 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

2,353 Total businesses
24 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 90%
Small, 10-49 7%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 1%

Deprivation and Employment in Pontefract IMD 2025

Pontefract sits around the national average for deprivation according to the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Employment and income levels are broadly typical, reflecting a mixed local economy. The area offers a balance of residential and commercial activity common to most parts of England.

Overall Deprivation
5/10
Income
6/10
Employment
5/10
Education
5/10
Health
4/10
Housing
6/10
Living Environment
7/10
Children 0-15 19%
Working age 62%
Older 65+ 19%
18,732 Children (0-15) 19%
61,541 Working Age 62%
19,074 Older (65+) 19%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 32.4% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 15.8% of over-60s in income-deprived households
Data from English Indices of Deprivation 2025 · Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

Crime in Pontefract 472 crimes · May 2026

Average Crime Area

Reported crime levels in Pontefract sit broadly in line with national averages for a town of this size. Violence & sexual offences accounts for the largest share of recorded offences. The profile is typical of a well-populated area with a mix of residential and commercial activity.

Violence & Sexual Offences 211
Anti-Social Behaviour 53
Public Order 43
Shoplifting 40
Criminal Damage & Arson 39
Other Theft 24
Burglary 17
Other Crime 17
Drugs 11
Vehicle Crime 10
Weapons 3
Robbery 3
Bicycle Theft 1
Local Policing
West Yorkshire Wakefield East Visit force website →
Data from data.police.uk · Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
Crime figures depend on reporting by individual police forces and may not reflect the full picture in all areas.

Nearest Train Stations 6 stations

Pontefract Baghill Train Station 0.4 miles
Pontefract Monkhill Train Station 0.8 miles
Glasshoughton Train Station 1.9 miles
Featherstone Train Station 2.6 miles
Castleford Train Station 3.1 miles
Fitzwilliam Train Station 4.6 miles

Location

Nearby Towns & Villages 12 found

Grove Town 0.6 miles Monkhill 0.6 miles Carleton 0.9 miles Chequerfield 0.9 miles New Town 1.2 miles Purston Jaglin 1.8 miles Strawberry Hill 1.9 miles Darrington 2 miles Featherstone 2 miles North Featherstone 2 miles East Hardwick 2 miles Glass Houghton 2 miles

Local Government

District Wakefield
County North Yorkshire
Ward Pontefract North
Constituency Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford
Parish Wakefield, unparished area
Region Yorkshire and The Humber

Home Ownership in Pontefract

Of the 43,051 households in and around Pontefract, 63% are owned, 22% are socially rented and 14% are privately rented. Home ownership here is in line with the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 63% Social rented 22% Private rented 14%

Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Pontefract.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pontefract

What is the population of Pontefract?
Pontefract has a population of approximately 99,341 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Pontefract?
The average property in and around Pontefract sold for about £199,596, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 43% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Pontefract a deprived area?
Pontefract sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 5 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Pontefract?
Pontefract is covered by the WF7, WF8, WF9 postcode districts.
How many schools are there in Pontefract?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Pontefract, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Pontefract?
The nearest railway station to Pontefract is Pontefract Baghill Train Station, about 0.4 miles away.

Streets in Pontefract 30 shown View all streets

A1 5 Aaron Wilkinson Court 1 Abbey Gardens 1 Abbey Mews 1 Abbey Walk 1 Acacia Avenue 2 Ackton Close 1 Ackton Hall Crescent 1 Ackton Lane 4 Ackworth House Close 1 Ackworth Moor Top 1 Ackworth Road 11 Addy Crescent 1 Adowsley Close 2 Albany Crescent 2 Albany Place 1 Albany Street 1 Albert Street 1 Albion Place 2 Albion Street 1 Alden Crescent 2 Alexander Crescent 1 Alexander Road 1 All Saints View 1 Allison Street 1 Allott Close 1 Almond Close 1 Alpine Court 1 Alpine View 1 Amber Close 1

Postcodes in Pontefract 50 shown View all postcodes

WF7 5AA WF7 5AB WF7 5AD WF7 5AE WF7 5AF WF7 5AG WF7 5AH WF7 5AJ WF7 5AL WF7 5AN WF7 5AP WF7 5AQ WF7 5AR WF7 5AT WF7 5AU WF7 5AX WF7 5AZ WF7 5BA WF7 5BB WF7 5BD WF7 5BE WF7 5BG WF7 5BH WF7 5BJ WF7 5BL WF7 5BN WF7 5BP WF7 5BQ WF7 5BS WF7 5BT WF7 5BU WF7 5BX WF7 5BY WF7 5DA WF7 5DD WF7 5DE WF7 5DF WF7 5DH WF7 5DJ WF7 5DL WF7 5DN WF7 5DP WF7 5DQ WF7 5DR WF7 5DS WF7 5DT WF7 5DU WF7 5DW WF7 5DX WF7 5DY